We are a family oriented traditional karate organization focusing on Sensei Masaru Shintani's teachings and values of kindness and humility. Our goal is to move into the future with ties to the past developing confident individuals who will be positive role models within the community.

"Wado, way to harmony and peace the finest quality of human race, a total goal to peace on earth. We the Wado students of Karate must be the leaders of unity and happiness through the universe. And guide our students to an ultimate human alliance with understanding."- Sensei Shintani -

The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation

The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF) was founded by Sensei Masaru Shintani in 1966. The SWKKF is one of the largest martial arts organization of a single style in North America. Current registered membership is approximately 2500 students with 400+ active black belts.

The greatest densities of members are in southern Ontario and Alberta, with continued growth in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Québec, Northwest Territories, British Columbia and the USA. The SWKKF also supports a national team to represent the organization at various tournaments both within and outside the organization.

Sensei Masaru Shintani

Sensei Masaru Shintani, 9th Dan (Kudan) was the Supreme Instructor of Wado Kai Karate in Canada and is founder of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF). At the time of his death he was the highest ranking Sensei outside of Japan. A direct student of Master Otsuka, the founder of Wado Kai, Sensei Shintani devoted over 50 years to the study of Karate. He also held ranks in Judo (Sandan), Aikido (Shodan), and Kendo (Shodan).
Sensei Shintani was born February 3, 1927 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the child of Japanese immigrants. His mother was a member of the Matsumoto clan, a respected samurai clan whose history goes back hundreds of years. Like virtually all West Coast Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War, his family was uprooted and moved to the rugged interior of British Columbia for the duration of the war.
The Shintani family, mother & six children, was interned in New Denver...

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SWKKF Mission Statement

We are a family oriented traditional karate organization focusing on Sensei Masaru Shintani's teachings and values of kindness and humility. Our goal is to move into the future with ties to the past developing confident individuals who will be positive role models within the community.